Duncan McArthur made an immediate impact on his debut for Rye and Iden United in County League division one.
McArthur had been snapped up by Rye for £500 after being kicked out of Hastings for disciplinary problems and he began to repay his new side with a 60th minute strike direct from a free kick.
Josh Biggs gave East Preston a first minute lead only for Shaun Loft to level.
New signing Chris Couzins restored the hosts' lead before half time but McArthur's strike ensured a share of the spoils.
Home boss Vic Short said: "I felt the draw was about right but when you are 2-1 up and they score direct from a free kick it is disappointing."
Adam Day scored the only goal as Sidley won 1-0 away to Selsey and joint manager Andy Laskey hopes he will be around to score a few more for the club.
Day has been linked with a move to Lewes after playing for the Rooks in a midweek friendly.
However, Laskey said: "Adam hasn't signed for Lewes. He played for them in a midweek friendly but has had no contact with them since."
The only goal was a penalty after Shae Spreafico had been brought down. Sidley had Dave Carey sent off early in the second half.
In the John O'Hara League Cup, Dave Fisher scored a hat-trick as St Leonards trounced Pease Pottage 10-1.
Further goals came from David Flemming, Ross Southwood, Andy Cyrus, Paul Oliver, Sean Ray, Keith Miles and Gavin Ramsden.
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